Jack built the fire and prepared for work. He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, washed face and hands, and then got out the cake board. In a short time he was working in the flour, and the way he went at it proclaimed his skill.
“If you will bring the dishes, Frank, I’ll set the table,” said little Nell.
So Merry carried the dishes, what few there were, out through the short passage and into his room, where the blind girl, after the cloth was spread, stood by the table and arranged them. She seemed to do this work by instinct, for she could not have done it better had she been able to see.
“Oh, we will have such a lovely supper!” she laughed, her sweet face glowing with pleasure. “It seems to me that we have much better times since we knew you, Frank. I am certain we are far happier. I am so glad we found you!”
“And I am glad, Nellie!” Merry declared. “It would have been lonely living here, and you have brightened my life like sunshine bursting through a cloud.”
She came near him, her hands clasped, her sightless eyes turned upon his face, as if she could see.
“I love to hear you talk,” she murmured. “You have such a pleasant voice, and you say such beautiful things. Anyone would know there was nothing bad in your heart just to hear you speak.”
“I hope there is nothing bad in my heart, Nellie,” he said, with deep earnestness. “It is our duty to keep our hearts free from all evil, but sometimes I find it necessary to fight to do so.”
“But you fight so bravely I am sure you’ll never be conquered.”
“Thank you, dear little Nell,” he said, taking both her hands and looking down at her face. “Your confidence in me will help me in the battle of life. I am at the foot of the ladder now, but some day I may mount to the top. If I do, I shall not forget my little companions of my days of misfortune.”